Major Code of Conduct Breach in IPL 2025: RCB and SRH Captains Face Heavy Fines!
IPL MEDIA ADVISORY
May 24, 2025
Code of Conduct Breach – Match 65: RCB vs SRH
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen excitement and drama on and off the field this season, but recent incidents involving slow over rates have put the spotlight on player conduct. In Match 65 of the TATA IPL 2025, which took place between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, both teams faced fines due to breaches of the IPL’s Code of Conduct regarding over rates.
This post will dive deeper into the specifics of these incidents, the implications for the teams involved, and the broader picture regarding the importance of maintaining a proper over rate in the fast-paced world of T20 cricket.
Patidar Penalized for Slow Over Rate
Rajat Patidar has been making headlines not only for his leadership but also for his team’s performance this IPL season. However, in the recent match against SRH, Patidar’s team fell short in their over rate, resulting in a fine of INR 24 lakhs. This was particularly significant since it marked RCB’s second offence this season under the IPL’s stringent regulations governing minimum over rates.
According to the IPL guidelines, a captain is fined escalating amounts based on the frequency of the offences. Here’s a quick breakdown of the penalties for RCB:
- Rajat Patidar (Captain): Fined INR 24 lakhs for the second slow over-rate offence.
- Rest of Playing XI (including Impact Player): Each fined INR 6 lakhs or 25 % of their match fee, whichever is lesser.
This penalty not only reflects on Patidar but also underscores the importance of time management in T20 games, where every second can change the momentum of the match.
Pat Cummins Faces Consequences
On the other hand, SRH’s captain Pat Cummins found himself in a similar predicament despite it being his team’s first over-rate offence of the season. Cummins was fined INR 12 lakhs under Article 2.22 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which addresses minimum over-rate offences
The recent penalties incurred by both captains highlight a growing concern within the league. Slow over rates can disrupt the flow of the game, frustrate players and fans alike, and ultimately tarnish the spirit of T20 cricket — a format designed for high-octane entertainment.
The Implications of Slow Over Rates
Understanding the consequences of slow over rates is crucial for both teams and their captains. While the fines can be seen as mere monetary penalties, they also signal a larger issue within team management and strategy. Below are some implications of slow over rates:
- Impact on Team Morale: Fines can put added pressure on both players and management, impacting team dynamics and performance.
- Fan Engagement: Frustrated fans may express their dissatisfaction through social media, potentially affecting the team’s brand and marketability.
- Increased Scrutiny: Teams facing multiple fines for over rates draw the attention of pundits and analysts, which can lead to a more negative public perception.
The Need for Improved Over Rate Management
As the IPL continues to evolve, the need for maintaining an appropriate over rate is becoming increasingly critical. To promote quicker game play and sustain the electrifying atmosphere of T20 cricket, teams must take proactive measures. Here are some strategies teams can implement:
- Enhanced Time Management: Encouraging bowlers to adopt a more efficient mindset, ensuring they are ready to bowl as soon as the batsmen are set.
- Strategic Planning: Captains should incorporate different strategies, such as appointing a designated bowler-agnostic fielding positions to save time during field changes.
- Match Reviews: Conducting post-match analysis to identify slow over-rate causes and address them accordingly.
To sum it up, while fines may represent a surface-level consequence, the real issue is ensuring teams and captains have the right systems and mindsets in place. As the IPL progresses, it remains paramount for teams like RCB and SRH to heed these lessons seriously.
As fans, we look forward to witnessing how these teams will manage their over rates in future matches and what measures they adopt moving forward to ensure compliance with the IPL guidelines while maximizing the entertainment value of the game.
Ultimately, following the spirit and rules of the game will enhance not just the quality of play, but also the overall experience for fans, ensuring that the IPL continues to be the pinnacle of T20 action.
